SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — The widow of a Sevier County inmate who died after a jail assault has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that classification mistakes, ignored gang tensions and officer indifference created the conditions that led to her husband’s death.
The lawsuit, filed August 19, seeks damages from Sevier County, Sheriff Michael R. Hodges Jr., and more than 20 corrections officers in connection with the September 2025 death of Gary Dwayne Stiltner II, 38.
According to the complaint, Stiltner died on September 9, 2025, after an assault inside the E Dorm of the Sevier County Jail Annex. He was later pronounced dead at LeConte Medical Center.
Another inmate, Shay Vincent Spell, has since been indicted on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated assault and especially aggravated kidnapping in connection with Stiltner’s death.
Lawsuit Claims Housing Assignment Violated Jail Policy
According to court filings, Stiltner was booked into the jail on September 7, 2025, on misdemeanor drug possession charges.
The lawsuit argues that under the jail’s classification system, Stiltner should have been considered a minimum-security inmate and housed separately from detainees with histories of violence.
Instead, the complaint alleges Stiltner was assigned to 212 E Dorm, where medium-security and violent offenders were housed, including Spell.
The lawsuit claims jail records already documented Spell’s violent history and previous conflicts with inmates that resulted in compatibility restrictions.
Alleged Gang Conflict Concerns Ignored
Among the most serious allegations is the claim that jail staff failed to account for known gang tensions within the housing unit.
According to the complaint, Stiltner was a white member of the Vice Lords street gang and had visible gang-related tattoos. The lawsuit alleges jail officials were aware the dorm was controlled by a white Aryan-affiliated gang, creating what attorneys described as an obvious risk to Stiltner’s safety.
The complaint further alleges that Stiltner specifically asked not to be placed in the dorm because he feared for his safety, but that request was ignored.
Claims of Medical and Safety Failures
The lawsuit also alleges Stiltner told jail staff during booking that he was under the influence of methamphetamine and experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Attorneys for the family claim staff failed to place him under medical observation or provide additional monitoring, leaving him vulnerable after being housed in the dormitory.
Fatal Assault Allegations
According to the lawsuit, less than 24 hours after Stiltner was placed in the dorm, Spell allegedly attacked him without provocation.
The complaint alleges Spell repeatedly struck Stiltner, restrained him and slammed him to the floor.
An autopsy later determined Stiltner died from massive internal bleeding caused by a shattered spleen and multiple fractured ribs.
Deputy Accused of Fist-Bumping Inmate
The lawsuit also contains allegations regarding the actions of jail personnel after the assault.
According to the complaint, a corrections deputy allegedly “fist-bumped” Spell following the incident.
The filing argues that Sevier County and the sheriff’s office failed to properly train staff, enforce inmate-classification policies and protect inmates from known threats.
Family Seeking Damages
Stiltner’s widow, Brandy Stiltner, is seeking compensatory damages, attorney’s fees, court costs and other relief through a jury trial.
The lawsuit alleges jail officials acted with deliberate indifference to Stiltner’s safety and failed to follow established procedures designed to prevent violence among inmates.
The case is pending in federal court.
